In Describing this things fundamental nature, several other definitions and certainly more questions will emerge. I will do my best to return as needed to help clarify some of these questions and definitions in the future. I promise!
From Webster’s we get : 1 a: allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1): fidelity to one’s promises (2): sincerity of intentions2 a (1): belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2): belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs
This definition is fairly typical. Most everyone agrees that the fundamental nature of faith is existential, in the realm of feelings or opinions or desires. When they say they have faith about a thing what they are most often saying is they agree with and have confidence toward something with deep felt emotion or desire. I must however disagree.
I believe (a term I will enjoy explaining some other time) what the bible has to say about faith. Hebrews 11:1 says,
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
In our first definition we relegate faith to a feeling or ideal which leaves us with certain specific consequences. It also limits us to specific avenues by which we might obtain or develop faith. As a feeling I can seek support from others who think like me. I can read books and try to make sense of their theories and in so agree with their philosophy. My agreement becomes then a feeling of certainty or faith. The most profound contrast I read in this first definition to my own is the idea of a belief for which there is no proof. Since real things exist as reality and are therefore verifiable and provable…What do you call people who “believe” in things that are not real? But of course, insane people… Is it any wonder this religion seems so un obtainable?
Contrast this with our biblical definition. What strikes me first is the clear statement that faith is a substance. It is the substance of, yes but what does it mean by “substance”. I will offer you an analogy which has helped me. If it does not help you, please ask and I shall try to accommodate in some other way.
Picture the nature of matter itself. If we look at a table we see it in a shape and form we recognize. A form made and shaped by design, which works to perform a predetermined assignment or need. But if you examine the table very closely, very very closely, you will see that it is really made up of molecules of particular order and form. In reality we can continue this process on to atomic particles and sub atomic particles and so on. You get the point I hope, that what we call the table is really the accumulation of and designed formation of a bunch of specific particles which in fact are the pure substance of the actual table. Ok you were not expecting a science lesson and how does this relate?
First I want to add this bit of trivia. Science does not know why the molecules of say Wood or any formation of matter come to be together. They can observe the effects of forces such as electricity and magnetic fields and temperature etc but they cannot explain the why behind them. Science does not deal with why in the first place. In fact in order for science to make any statement of known fact that scientific discipline must assume a confidence in unknown causal recurrences.
But lets not digress into the science stuff too deep. I don’t want to loose you just when this is getting to the punch line. Faith is a real substance just like atomic particles are real substance.
In any process there must be a proper division of labor and things often must happen in a proper order and sequence. The God of this universe is logical and reasonable. His word, the bible, has never suggested you must have confidence in something which is not real.
The nature and substance of all that exist is created out of the substance faith. Knowing this then we might understand that to get or have faith cannot be a mental emotional process like feeling for or agreeing with a particular philosophy. Logically something does not come from nothing. So lets stop trying to convince our selves of things in an intellectual or emotional sense thinking we are “having faith”. We are told we must have faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God… of course that has to do with our designed purpose.
So faith is a tangible substance akin to an atomic form of matter, which we need in order to form that which we desire and hope for, and it stands as evidence of things not yet formed.
So how do we get this substance “faith”? I have a great deal I can help you with that also… perhaps, another blog? Until then get back to the bible. Read it, meditate on what it says about faith. Test me in this and see if I am right or wrong. We shall have this Life, precept upon precept, bit by bit… because He said that was how it would be, and now we have … Faith.
